Wheel of Ashes (1971) - film review
Peter Emmanuel Goldman
Drama

Summary
A haunting and beautifully photographed black and white film about a
young man in Paris (played by Pierre Clementi) who finds himself in a
terrible conflict between his desire to find God, his desire for women
and his attachment to his fiancée ( played by the Danish actress
Katinka Bo). A depressed and lonely Pierre meets Anka at a party
and they become lovers. However, under the influence of the Indian
Vedanta philosophy Pierre retreats to a room near the Batille and vows
not to leave until he finds God. But in spite of his best
efforts, he is not free from both his lust and his attachment to his
finacée. As his mental state deteriorates, a surprise
ending finally frees Pierre from the room with the conflict unresolved.
The pacing, photography and intensity assure that this is a film that
stays with the viewer long after her has left the theater.
© David King (New York City, USA)
© David King (New York City, USA)
Review
User Comments
A powerful and forgotten film that was made in France by an American. It lives
in your memory long after seeing it.
David King (Hollywood, Florida, USA)
A powerful and haunting film made more than 40 years ago,,,yet I still remember it. Why has Goldman been forgotten? He made several different, unique and powerful films including Echoes of Silence. He was a link between the American Underground and the French New Wave.
apropos (New York City)
What do you think of this film?
David King (Hollywood, Florida, USA)
A powerful and haunting film made more than 40 years ago,,,yet I still remember it. Why has Goldman been forgotten? He made several different, unique and powerful films including Echoes of Silence. He was a link between the American Underground and the French New Wave.
apropos (New York City)
What do you think of this film?
Useful links
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Related links
- Other French films of the 1970s
- The best French films of the 1970s
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- The best French dramas
To buy this film
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Credits
- Director: Peter Emmanuel Goldman
- Script: Peter Emmanuel Goldman
- Photo: Pierre-William Glenn, Peter Emmanuel Goldman
- Music: Hugh Robertson, Olivier Tiariol
- Cast: Pierre Clémenti (Pierre), Katinka Bo (Anka), Pierre Basançon (David), Judith Malina, Juliet Berto, Stasia Gelber
- Country: USA / France
- Language: French
- Runtime: 110 min; B&W
- Aka: Roue de cendres
Similar films
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